Djokovic to play Federer for Cincinnati crown

Novak Djokovic closed in on the one title that has eluded him by reaching the final of the Cincinnati Open with a three-set victory over Marin Cilic.

His 6-4 3-6 6-3 win moved him one victory away from the only ATP Masters 1000 title he’s never claimed.

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Djokovic is trying to become the first player to win all nine events since the elite series started in 1990.

One big hurdle: a rematch with Roger Federer, who got past an injured David Goffin in Saturday’s second men’s semifinal.

8 trips to the #CincyTennis final? ??
97 straight service holds in Cincinnati? ?? @rogerfederer heads into the final in FINE FORM.

Get well soon @David__Goffin ???? pic.twitter.com/y66wSKdf9t

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 19, 2018

Federer has won an unprecedented seven Cincinnati titles, beating Djokovic three times in championship matches.

“It would be the greatest challenge in Cincinnati, without a doubt, especially here, because he’s been dominating this tournament historically,” Djokovic told atpworldtour.com.

“He won against me several times in finals. Obviously he feels great in these conditions and this surface … we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

Djokovic and Federer have not met since the Australian Open 2016 semifinals more than two and a half years ago. The Serbian narrowly leads the head-to-head series 23-22 and has won six of their past eight meetings.

Djokovic completed his long recovery from elbow surgery by winning Wimbledon for the fourth time last month. He then set out to get his hard-court game in form for the US Open.

Along the way, he dearly wants to get a title in Cincinnati, where he’s 0-5 in finals – having also lost two to Andy Murray.

Federer-Djokovic, for me, is far and away the most fun matchup within the Big 4.

Nearly always delivers. Their games just match up so well.

— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 19, 2018

Frustrated by his ragged play early in his quarterfinal win over Milos Raonic, Djokovic slammed his racket on the court, sending pieces of the frame into the air. The racket-smashing incident was a turning point.

When he closed out the victory Saturday, he walked calmly to the net to congratulate Cilic and then raised both arms in triumph.

The victory was especially sweet given he had let slip a match point before losing to Cilic in a compelling Queen’s Club final in June.

In Saturday night’s session, Federer had taken the first set against Goffin before the Belgian could no longer tolerate his shoulder discomfort.

After missing a serve when leading 40-30 in the third game of the second set, Goffin shook his head and headed to the net to shake Federer’s hand, delivering the Swiss a 7-6(3) 1-1 ret. victory.

“It’s a bit of an awkward feeling … it’s not how you want to win. Not when the crowd’s packed like this and looking for an epic match. But that’s how it goes sometimes. You’ve got to take them and move on,” Federer said.

“I’m very excited to be back in another final here in Cincinnati, against Novak in particular. It’s a lot riding again on the match. It’s great to refresh our rivalry that we have been going on so many years now. It’s nice to see him back.”

It will be Federer’s 150th singles final.